House Passes $3 Billion Emergency Bill to Address VA Budget Shortfall

Emergency Legislation for VA Benefits

The House passed an emergency bill on Tuesday addressing a $3 billion budget shortfall facing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This timely legislation comes as officials express concerns that millions of veterans’ benefits are at risk.

Bipartisan Support and Funding Breakdown

The bill earned bipartisan support and is now headed to the Senate, where swift action is expected. Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) emphasized the urgency, stating, "our veterans deserve better than bureaucratic incompetence." The measure includes approximately $2.9 billion in additional funding, primarily for the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions.

• $2.3 billion for compensation and pensions
• $597 million for readjustment benefits

Failure to provide this funding could lead to delayed compensation and pension benefit payments for veterans next month.

Key Drivers and Accountability Measures

Officials linked the budget shortfall to the PACT Act, noting increases in enrollment in VA health care and benefits applications. The bill, known as the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, mandates improved forecasting and budget assumptions, ensuring accountability.

Senate’s Next Steps

With a Sept. 30 government shutdown deadline looming, senators are pushing for quick approval. Both sides are hopeful for bipartisan collaboration to expedite the bill’s passage.

The VA aims to secure additional funding by Sept. 20 to prevent payment delays. Consequences of delays are particularly severe for veterans receiving paper checks, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution.